The latest attempt is by Honda, the Japanese car maker, which has developed a quirky-looking battery-powered unicycle that it believes could revolutionise travel, albeit slowly, from A to B.

The U3-X, shaped liked the number eight with a wheel at the bottom and seat at the top, was unveiled today to reporters in Japan. The wheel comprises a series of smaller motorised wheels within a larger one, which enables the rider to manoeuvre sideways as well as forwards and backwards by leaning their body in the direction they want to go.

The prototype, for which there are no immediate plans for production, was designed to be small, safe and unobtrusive enough to move safely among pedestrians, according to Honda.

It can stand upright unaided and the rider sits on it as they would a stool, with their feet on footrests. The unicycle maintains its balance as it scoots around at speeds of up to 3.7mph.

The president of Honda, Takanobu Ito, said the vehicle was merely "a proposal" and the company had no sales plans, pricing or firm ideas on where or how it would be used.

The company declined to give details of the U3-X's technology, but said it weighs less than 10kg, runs on a full charge for an hour, and has a lithium-ion battery.

"I may want to use it in my home," Ito said. "It'd be easier to get around so I might really use it if my legs grow weaker."

Honda also makes the Asimo walking child-shaped robot, the Odyssey minivan and Accord sedan. The U3-X uses some of the balance and movement technology developed in the Asimo, Ito said.

Last year, Honda showed a gadget that could support a wearer's body weight made of mechanical frames attached to a pair of shoes. It said it could be used by car workers.

Toyota, Honda's Japanese rival, has unveiled several personal mobility vehicles, such as the Winglet, which is similar to the Segway, and the i-Real, a motorised vehicle that resembles an armchair on wheels.

Japan is one of the most rapidly ageing countries in the world and concerns are growing about how the elderly get around. "Honda engineers are always thinking about people's dreams and wishes about mobility. We will continue to work hard to be a leader in that area," Ito said.